Today brings us back to my quick push to get through the last of my 2015 boxes. It’s time for the subscription that began it all—Julep. For the last few months of 2015, I opted to try out the Luxe subscription option which offers more items in your box and customization. I’ve been using it to hoard, err, stock up on my favorites plus try new things. For November, Julep introduced the Switch-Up Collection that included a new skincare product and an assortment of polishes in the matte metallic finish. Let’s dive in.
MAVEN LUXE BOX
Love Your Bare Face – Age-Defying Cleansing Oil (Retail $28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
Verdict: Love
Description: This ultra-lightweight, age-defying cleanser melts away even stubborn long-wear makeup in just seconds. Don’t be afraid of oils – this one leaves behind no oily residue, just clean, nourished skin.
This is hands down my favorite Julep product. I use this every night and it melts off my mascara and eyeliner with incredible ease and leaves my skin super soft. It’s particularly great in the Winter when the cold leaves my face raw. If you can only try one Julep product this is the one you need to nab.
Take a Breather – Sheer Shimmer – Oxygen Nail Treatment: (Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Still waiting to decide
Description: Don’t be fooled by appearances—this subtle, glossy pink tint is actually a powerful strengthening treatment that lets your nails breathe. Our nutrient-rich formula also includes nail-boosting Hexanal, anti-aging plant cells, and a protective UV filter.
I’m using a Julep photo for this item because it wasn’t in my box. I actually didn’t even realize it was missing until I started to work on my review. I emailed Julep and they are sending me one asap. I opted to try this because some days I’m just too tired to go through the whole base coat/2 coats of polish/topcoat procedure and this looks like a nice alternative to use in between regular manis.
What Your Skin Needs – Restorative Facial Milk (Retail $38.00/Maven Price: $28.00)
Verdict: Like
Description: This ultra-lightweight facial moisturizer is a high-tech blend of five skin-boosting oils that absorb into your skin in under 10 seconds to treat, hydrate, and replenish. Use daily, gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
I love the Bareface Oil so much that I’m always up for trying new Julep skincare products. The first thing that struck me about this was that the packaging felt very luxe. My biggest issue with Julep products in the past has been packaging. I’ve had so many containers that break easily, are hard to use or mess up the product (like how the quick dry drops evaporate at an alarming rate). I tried this out and for me it definitely feels more like a treatment and something I’d use at night because it is a bit heavier. It does a nice job of softening and smoothing so folks with dry skin may be able to use it more frequently.
Cheyenne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Auburn matte metallic
I figured I had to try one of the new matte metallic finishes so I opted for Cheyenne. It’s a really pretty red brown that sort of reminds me of my hair color.
ADD ONS!
Janice: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Carnival full-coverage microglitter
This shade was exclusively an add-on and I couldn’t resist the glitter plus the mix of colors. I think this would be so pretty paired with a darker grey and used just on the tips.
NOVEMBER FREEBIES!
We start with some candy – a caramel apple lollipop. It was very tasty!
Melody: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description:
Julep offered this as a freebie, you just had to confirm via email in advance that you wanted it. I love it when we get polish as a free gift. This is a fun glitter topcoat that you shake in order to get the coverage you want. Shake it like a Polaroid picture for more glitter coverage, for less just shake it like…a salt shaker? I don’t know, just you know, shake it less.
OVERALL:
Verdict: Hit!
The retail value on this box was a whopping $116.00 and the maven value was $108.40. I paid $50.27 and I got a great skincare set, a nail treatment, a polish and a fun topcoat. That’s an incredible amount of product for the price. I also think my November picks had a nice balance of fun and practical items. Because I use so many Julep products, Maven luxe has proven really cost effective for me. Nearly every product you could want is included in the customization options. If you find you need to restock your Julep favorites regularly, consider a Maven Luxe subscription, it might save you money as well. To lower the cost even more you can prepay a 3 month Maven Luxe subscription for a discount.
I’ve got one just one more 2015 Julep box to finish so be sure to come back for more fun swatches.
Do you find you use heavier skincare products in the Winter months or does your skincare routine stay relatively the same?
JULEP NEWS!
Tote-tally Awesome Mystery Box!
Julep is offer a Tote-tally awesome mystery box featuring two new polishes and a tote. There are 3 Tote options to choose from and the new polishes are Posey, a Lavender fog crème and Andie, a pastel confetti matte glitter top coat.
Personally Andie is really calling my name, but after the Holidays my wallet is telling Andie to shut the hell up. What do you think the of the new Julep new colors? Worth taking a chance on the mystery bag?
THE BACKSTORY
COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Subscription Box Offers & Discounts:
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)
Winter Ice Beauty Welcome Box:
Join Julep and get a FREE Winter Ice Beauty Box (just pay shipping)
Julep specializes in toxin-free nail color but also features beauty products. They are a small company based in Seattle and have been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things List.
Monthly Maven Options:
My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month
Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month
The options (Take the quiz here):
Modern Beauty – (For those who prefer beauty items over nail color) – “You’re a savvy tastemaker obsessed with the art and science of beauty.” Get two full-size beauty products in every box.
Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.”
Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”
Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”
It Girl – (For those who want polish only) “You’re a colorful trendsetter who’s not afraid to be bold.” Get three limited-edition nail colors in every box.
Julep will email you with the contents of your regular box selection, and at that time you can opt to keep it as is, change it, or skip. Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons along with access to Julep’s “Secret Store” that lets you get other products at great prices. Another perk is that when you’re a maven you get 20% off anything you purchase from Julep’s website along with free Shipping.
Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.
Lisa Preziosi 
I love face oils, and I think I’d love the treatment/polish that’s missing in your box. Looking forward to hearing if you like it once you get to try it
I’ve tried other Julep treatments and they were nice but I thought the shimmery color on this one made it even more interesting.
I received a very similar box for November and have yet to try out most of the products! I am starting to get overwhelmed by the amount of Julep items that I own haha
I’m usually good about trying most of my Julep makeup but I have so many Julep polishes I just don’t get a chance to try. I usually try to brainstorm some interesting manis that use a few colors just so I can try some of my unused bottles.
Same here! I have a whole box of Julep polishes that are all unopened. I usually end up giving some away as gifts. What are your favorite polishes?
For Julep, my favorite polish color is Ciara. For toppers I love Paris, Luna and Max. Other faves include Myrtle and Carol. For other polish brands, I’m slightly obsessed with Smith & Cult (but they are very pricey – so a rare treat), the indie brand Crowstoes, and Zoya (who have a dizzying array of colors and a great formula).